Classic Kaposi's sarcoma: A review of 156 cases

Classic Kaposi Sarcoma in an Immunocompetent Male From Haiti: An Unusual Epidemiological Presentation

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is an angioproliferative disorder caused by human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) infection. KS manifests as vascular and mucosal nodules and is classified into four subtypes based on epidemiology, clinical presentation, histopathology, and HHV-8/human immunodeficiency virus serology. Here, we present a unique case of classic KS in an 84-year-old immunocompetent Haitian male patient, highlighting the rarity of this variant in this population. Additionally, our article delves into the broader context by reviewing a few documented cases of classic KS in the Caribbean region.

New Trends and Future Opportunities in the Enzymatic Formation of C-C, C-N, and C-O bonds

Organic chemistry provides society with fundamental products we use daily. Concerns about the impact that the chemical industry has over the environment is propelling major changes in the way we manufacture chemicals. Biocatalysis offers an alternative to other synthetic approaches as it employs enzymes, Nature's catalysts, to carry out chemical transformations. Enzymes are biodegradable, come from renewable sources, operate under mild reaction conditions, and display high selectivities in the processes they catalyse. As a highly multidisciplinary field, biocatalysis benefits from advances in different areas, and developments in the fields of molecular biology, bioinformatics, and chemical engineering have accelerated the extension of the range of available transformations (E. L. Bell et al., Nat. Rev. Meth. Prim. 2021, 1, 1-21). Recently, we surveyed advances in the expansion of the scope of biocatalysis via enzyme discovery and protein engineering (J. R. Marshall et al., Tetrahedron 2021, 82, 131926). Herein, we focus on novel enzymes currently available to the broad synthetic community for the construction of new C-C, C-N and C-O bonds, with the purpose of providing the non-specialist with new and alternative tools for chiral and sustainable chemical synthesis.

Palliative treatment of Kaposi sarcoma with radiotherapy: a single center experience

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the treatment responses of Kaposi sarcoma patients treated with radiotherapy (RT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The data of 18 patients (40 different regions) who were treated for Kaposi sarcoma in OOOO between March 23, 2010 to February 13, 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. The primary endpoint of the study was the clinical-subjective response after RT, and the secondary endpoint was the visual response assessment after RT.

RESULTS

In evaluating the patients' reported response of the lesions: 25 (62.5%) of complete response (CR), 12 (30%) of partial response (PR), and stable response was seen in 3 patients (7.5%). Patient reported response after RT was significantly higher in male sex (p = 0.002; odds ratio [OR] = 13.8, 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.7-70.0). Physician reported response rates were available for 28 lesions and CR was detected in 12 lesions (30%); PR was observed in 16 (40%). The relationship between physician reported outcome and RT techniques (electron, bolus, or water bolus) is close to the limit of statically significance (p = 0.052). Fewer lesions disappeared in patients with photon preference than electrons (p = 0.036; OR = 0.093; 95% CI, 0.009-0.950). Patients' reported complete response rates were significantly higher in the 20 Gy per 5 fractions treatment arm (p = 0.042; OR = 1.75; 95% CI, 1.1-2.7).

CONCLUSION

RT is an effective local treatment with high response rates in the treatment of Kaposi sarcoma. The subjective-clinical response rate was higher in male sex and the visual response was higher in the 20 Gy per 5 fractions arm. Additional studies are needed to standardize RT dose and techniques.